National Cheeseburger Day 2026 deals: Score free food from McDonald’s, Burger King, Smashburger, and more

There are food celebrations taking place every week. Not so long ago, we had National French Fry Day and National Hot Dog Day. Earlier this week, we had National Guacamole Day. They're not all bangers, but National Cheeseburger Day? This is big.

All the big players are jumping on National Cheeseburger Day. We're seeing limited-time offers and freebies from the likes of Five Guys, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Smashburger. We don't know if you had big plans for this weekend, but you do now. It's time to indulge your passion.

National Cheeseburger Day takes place on Sept. 18. We've lined up our favorite offers to help you make the most of this special occasion.

Applebee’s

Grab a Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger with fries for $8.99 (dine-in or to-go).

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Get a Jalapeño Business burger with a classic side for $10 (dine-in only).

Big Buns

Get 50% off the Classic Burger with Cheese. This offer is exclusive to members of its Thompson Table Rewards loyalty program.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

On National Cheeseburger Day, get an All American Smash Burger with a choice of personal-size signature Pizookie for only $13.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buy one burger, get a second burger of equal or lesser value free on National Cheeseburger Day.

Burger King

Royal Perks members can claim a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a $3 minimum purchase in the BK app on Sept. 18.

Dairy Queen

Get a free single Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any $1+ app order running through Sept. 18.

Dog Haus

Get a Cheeseburger with your Dog Haus Rewards account to score a free cheeseburger for a future visit.

Five Guys

Buy any burger and get a second burger for free with the promo code BOGOBURGER in the Five Guys app or on the website.

Grubhub

Grubhub has canceled delivery and service fees on restaurant orders of $50+ on Sept. 18. You can also score these deals from favorite brands:

• Burger King: Buy one Whopper Jr., get one free on Sept. 18

• Outback: Get 20% off your order of $55+ through Sept. 20

• Wendy’s: Get a free Baconator on orders of $20+ on Sept. 18.

Hardee's

On Sept. 18, members of the My Rewards loyalty program can buy one Famous Star cheeseburger and get one for free.

McDonald’s

Score a free Double Cheeseburger with any $1 minimum in-app purchase for MyMcDonald’s Rewards members on Sept. 18.

Shake Shack

Score a $5 single ShackBurger or single Cheeseburger with any purchase. To qualify, use the code BURGERDAY in the Shack App, on the website, and at in-store kiosks.

Smashburger

Get any single Smash burger for $1 (Classic, Bacon Stack, Truffle Mushroom) when ordering in-app or online as a SmashRewards member.

Sonic

Get a Jr Double Cheeseburger for $1.99 when you order in-store or via the Sonic app on National Cheeseburger Day.

Wendy's

On Sept. 18, Wendy’s Rewards members can add a Dave’s Single Cheeseburger for $1.99 to any order.